Weight Loss (Obesity) Surgery

This article was medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Türkoğlu

What is Weight-Loss Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, commonly known as weight-loss surgery, is a group of medical procedures designed to help individuals with severe obesity to lose weight.

This is achieved by making changes to the digestive system, which can involve reducing the size of the stomach or altering the small intestine.

The primary aim is not just weight reduction but also improving overall health and quality of life by mitigating obesity-related conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

Differences Between Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Surgery

While both obesity surgery and metabolic surgery aim to address weight-related health issues, they differ slightly in their objectives and methods.

  • Obesity surgery primarily focuses on weight loss for individuals with severe obesity. It includes procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric bands, which restrict food intake and absorption.
  • Metabolic surgery targets the metabolic abnormalities often associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes. It works by altering hormonal levels and improving metabolic conditions, even in individuals who are not severely obese. Sometimes, a single surgery can serve both purposes, offering benefits of weight loss and metabolic improvement.
Procedure Details

Gastric Sleeve

The Gastric Sleeve procedure involves surgically removing about 80% of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. This reduction in stomach size means you’ll feel full sooner and eat less, leading to weight loss. The procedure also impacts hunger-regulating hormones, which can reduce appetite.

Procedure Details
Procedure Details

Gastric Bypass

The Gastric Bypass is a more complex procedure that involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a large part of the stomach and a segment of the intestine. This not only reduces the amount of food that can be eaten and absorbed but also leads to hormonal changes that aid in weight loss.

Procedure Details
Procedure Details

Type 2 Diabetes

The Type 2 diabetes, which occurs due to excess weight, causes patients to use insulin constantly. In type 2 diabetes surgery, which is included in the field of metabolic surgery, is aimed to control both diabetes and obesity at the same time.With this surgery, diabetes is eliminated. Laparoscopic type 2 diabetes surgery makes the ineffective insulin in the body usable.

Procedure Details
Procedure Details

Gastric Balloon

The Gastric Balloon involves placing a soft, saline-filled balloon in the stomach through an endoscopic procedure. The balloon partially fills the stomach space, promoting a feeling of fullness with less food. It’s a temporary procedure, typically kept in place for six months, and is often used to help lose weight before a more permanent surgical solution.

Procedure Details

Who can have obesity surgery?

Candidates for obesity surgery are typically individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 35 or higher accompanied by obesity-related health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

However, eligibility is not solely based on BMI. It also involves a comprehensive evaluation including medical history, previous weight loss efforts, and psychological readiness.

The decision for surgery is made considering the potential benefits and risks, as well as the commitment to lifelong lifestyle changes post-surgery.

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Obesity

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a key indicator used to measure obesity.

It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. A BMI of 30 or above typically indicates obesity, which can be further categorized into classes based on severity.

BMI is crucial in determining the eligibility for obesity surgery, as it helps assess the level of risk associated with obesity and the potential benefits of surgical intervention.

Reasons for the Popularity of Obesity Surgery in Turkey

  1. Experienced Surgeons: Many surgeons in Turkey have high volumes of surgeries, leading to expertise.
  2. Modern Facilities: Turkey has many state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics.
  3. Tourism Opportunities: Patients can combine medical treatment with a vacation.
  4. Affordability: Often cheaper than in many Western countries.
  5. Positive Reviews: Many patients share successful experiences, boosting its reputation.
  6. Short Waiting Times: Faster scheduling compared to some countries with longer medical queues.
  7. Cultural Hospitality: The welcoming nature of Turkish culture can make patients feel more at ease.
  8. Personalized Care: Many facilities provide tailored care and post-operative support.
  9. Medical Accreditation: Many Turkish hospitals have international accreditations, ensuring high standards.

In essence, Turkey offers quality surgery at a reduced cost along with appealing travel opportunities.

General Surgeon
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Türkoğlu

General Surgery

Reyap Hospital – Istanbul, Turkey

Reyap Hospital Exterior Design
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FaQ – Obesity Surgery

Why Do People Get Weight Loss Surgery In Turkey?

Reyap Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, stands out as a leading center for obesity surgery due to several key factors:

  1. Expert Medical Team: Our surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in advanced bariatric procedures, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
  2. State-of-the-Art Facilities: We offer cutting-edge medical technology and comfortable facilities to enhance patient care and recovery.
  3. Personalized Care: Each patient receives a tailored treatment plan, ensuring that individual health needs and goals are met.
  4. Comprehensive Support: From pre-surgery consultations to post-operative care and nutritional guidance, our team provides continuous support.
  5. Proven Track Record: Our success rates in obesity surgery are a testament to our commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction.

Is It Cheaper To Get Weight Loss Surgery In Turkey?

Yes, it is generally cheaper to get weight loss surgery in Turkey compared to many other countries, particularly those in Western Europe and North America. This cost difference has several contributing factors:

  1. Lower Operating Costs: The overall cost of living and operating a medical facility in Turkey is lower than in many Western countries. This allows hospitals to offer surgeries at more affordable prices.
  2. Competitive Pricing: Turkish medical facilities often offer competitive pricing to attract international patients, making the cost of procedures like weight loss surgery more budget-friendly.
  3. Inclusive Packages: Many hospitals and clinics in Turkey offer comprehensive packages for weight loss surgery. These packages can include the surgery itself, pre- and post-operative care, hospital stay, and sometimes even accommodation and transport for international patients, providing significant savings.
  4. High Quality at Lower Costs: Despite the lower prices, the quality of healthcare, including advanced medical technology and highly qualified surgeons, is comparable to that in more expensive countries.

Weight loss varies based on the type of surgery, your starting weight, and adherence to lifestyle changes. On average, patients lose 50-70% of their excess body weight within two years post-surgery.

Post-surgery, you’ll need to follow a specific diet starting with liquids and gradually moving to solid foods. Long-term changes include eating smaller portions, focusing on high-protein foods, avoiding high-sugar and high-fat foods, and taking recommended supplements.

Recovery varies by surgery type. Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days and may need several weeks to return to normal activities. Pain, fatigue, and dietary adjustments are common during the initial recovery phase.

Some surgeries, like the adjustable gastric band, are reversible. Others, like the gastric sleeve, are not. Gastric bypass can sometimes be revised, but it’s complex and not commonly done.

Long-term success depends on your commitment to lifestyle changes. Most patients maintain significant weight loss and health improvements years after the surgery, provided they adhere to dietary guidelines and regular exercise.

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